Jepsen releases EP featuring new material from previous album

Carly Rae Jepsen has fulfilled the request of her fans by putting together music that was left out of her sophomore album, “Emotion.”

Although many agree that the album was a major pop flop, Jepsen has definitely succeeded in producing beautiful, new age pop music.

In March, 2016, Jepsen announced that she would be releasing leftover material from “Emotion” in an Extended Play, or EP. On Aug. 26, Jepsen released “Emotion: Side B,” which came in at number 27 on the Billboard 200 list.

When the 30-year-old singer released her debut album, “Kiss”, in the Fall 2014, she reserved a special spot for herself in the pop music Hall of Fame with her hit “Call Me Maybe.” “Call Me Maybe” was the song that was constantly stuck in our heads during Summer 2015, making it a cult pop hit.

The first track of “Emotion: Side B” features sounds that bring to mind artists such as Cindi Lauper and Stacy Q. “First Time” isabout falling in love and fearing heart break. “’Cause when my heart breaks, it always feels like the first time,” Jepsen sings.Jepsen has perfected the craft of imitating a classical pop sound while keeping the product original in every way. This song is a perfect example of this skill.

“Higher” is the second track on the EP.This track is a very relaxed new-age pop beat. The sound on this track is very classic Jepsen. She has created her own brand of pop music. Her craft is still rapidly developing, but I think Jepsen has the potential to become the next Cindy Lauper with the amount of originality in her brain.

Track 3, “The One,” has been criticized online many times for being “too immature” for someone Jepsen’s age. I disagree completely. Age is not a factor when it comes to being love crazy. “The One” explains Jepsen’s feelings for a boy who she fears falling in love with. She sings, “If you want to, you can stay the night. I don’t want to be the one. It’s too much pressure.” Commitment issues are something many millenials face. I think the lyrics are what make this song so catchy, but the euphoric beat playing in the background definitely makes me want to keep this song on repeat.

The next track that really makes my ears tingle is track six, “Body Language.” Again, Jepsen perfectly imitates the original pop sounds of the pre-2000’s. Right when the first beat drops, I get in the mood for a dance party. “Body Language” belongs on the original album. The sounds seem to mesh perfectly with much of the music on “Emotion.”

The sixth track, “Cry,” gives insight into a relationship Jepsen had previously ended. The song discusses the boy she is talking about never wanting to show feelings about the relationship. She sings, “He never wants to strip down to his feelings.” “He never wants to cry.“ The deep sounds featured on the song, as well as the lyrics, are what makes me fall in love with this song.Halfway through the song, Jepsen sings “I woke up without you, baby,” really showing her vocal abilities. The sound of her voice is so raw and beautiful on this track.

“Store,” the seventh track on the EP, is another song with a tame intro. But as soon as the chorus begins, the song turns into a pop jam that will make you start dancing. The story of the song is about Jepsen leaving a boy’s house unhappy about her decision.

“I’m just going to the store. You might not see me any more,” she sings The uplifting beat of this track is what keeps me listening to it.

Compared to the other songs on the EP, “Roses,” the final track, is just a bit too tame for my taste. I listen to Jepsen for the hyper pop beats. However, I do still enjoy this song as something I could wind down to and fall asleep with. Putting this track at the end of the EP was the perfect way to end it. “I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, that I’ll always be here if you need a friend.” Jepsen talks about missing a past romance and always being open to reigniting the flame.

The new wave of inspired young pop artists have generated a sound that is going to leave a lasting impression about the generation currently being raised. “Emotion” and “Emotion: Side B” are both beautiful representations of that sound. I give this funky album 5 stars out of 5.